Page 197 - CW E-Magazine (3-12-2024)

Special Report

The role of digitalization in the energy transition

of chemical plants

he article explores how improv- can reduce their reliance on fossil DIANA GARCIA
ing energy effi ciency in chemi- fuels, lower operational costs, and Industry Segment Initiative Leader
Tcal plants could play a vital contribute to the broader goal of de- ABB Measurement & Analytics
role in the transition to a more sus- carbonizing the economy. Achieving
tainable energy future. By potentially a sustainable energy future, however, costs. It involves optimizing processes
reducing energy consumption, these involves rethinking how energy is pro- to minimize energy waste, improving
plants might better contribute to meet- duced, distributed, and consumed. It the performance and lifespan of equip-
ing global emissions regulations and requires industry to make a shift away ment, and reducing the environmental
could help ensure the long-term sus- from fossil fuels towards renewable footprint of operations. These efforts
tainability of both the industry and the energy sources like wind, solar, and can lead to signifi cant reductions in
planet. hydroelectric power, although the inter- operational costs, enhance regulatory
mittent nature of these renewable compliance, and improve the overall
The transition to a sustainable energy sources makes energy effi ciency even sustainability of chemical plants.
future more critical.
The transition to a sustainable According to the European
energy future is one of the most press- Energy effi ciency in the chemicals Commission, one of the key drivers of
ing challenges facing the global com- industry energy effi ciency in the chemical indus-
munity today. This challenge is driven The chemicals industry is one of the try is the increasing pressure from both
by the need to drastically reduce green- most energy-intensive sectors, consum- regulators and consumers to reduce
house gas emissions and mitigate the ing vast amounts of energy to convert environmental impacts. Companies that
impacts of climate change. Central to raw materials into valuable products. proactively adopt energy-effi cient prac-
this is the concept of energy effi ciency, This high energy demand makes the tices not only comply with regulations
which emphasizes the importance of industry a signifi cant contributor to but also gain a competitive edge in the
reducing energy consumption as the global greenhouse gas emissions. How- market. As customers and investors
foundational step towards achieving ever, it also presents an opportunity become more environmentally conscious,
Net Zero emissions by 2050(1) whereby focusing on energy effi ciency, companies that can demonstrate their
(International Energy Agency (IEA)). the chemical industry can play a pivotal commitment to sustainability are more
Energy effi ciency is not just a cost- role in reducing emissions and advanc- likely to attract business and invest-
saving measure but a critical strategy in ing global sustainability goals. ment.
the global fi ght against climate change.
Energy effi ciency in the chemicals Moreover, energy effi ciency can
By optimizing energy use, industries sector goes beyond just cutting energy lead to innovation within the chemical
industry. For example, companies are
developing new catalysts and reaction
pathways that require less energy.
These innovations not only reduce
energy consumption but also improve
product yields and reduce waste, fur-
ther enhancing the sustainability of
chemical processes.

The industry’s focus on energy
effi ciency is also driving collaboration
between companies, research institutions,
and governments, fostering a culture
of innovation and continuous improve-
ment.

Chemical Weekly December 3, 2024 197

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